Stephen Gageler Named Justice Gummow’s Replacement

​Volume 2, Issue 6 (Originally Published 27 August 2012)
 
COMMONWEALTH Solicitor-General Stephen Gageler SC has been appointed the nation's next High Court judge.
Mr Gageler will replace influential judge Bill Gummow, who has been on the High Court bench for more than 17 years. He will retire on October 9, when he turns the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Now the 49th appointee to the court, Mr Gageler has served as the Commonwealth Solicitor General since September 2008. In that time he’s handled his share of wins and losses, from the Malaysia Solution invalidity debacle to the Tobacco Plain Packaging victory.
 
Gageler grew up in NSW, studied law at the Australian National University and completed his Master of Laws at Harvard University in 1987. He’s also a black belt in taekwondo .
 
When Gageler takes his seat in October, the court will consist of four appointments by the Howard government, two by the Rudd government and one by the Gillard government.
 
With Justice Heydon set to retire in March 2013, The Gillard Government will have the opportunity to appoint one more Justice before the next election.
 
At the current ago of 54, if Mr Gageler serves until he turns 70, he will remain on the High Court until July 8, 2028.